Excursion to Echmiadzin. Holy city in Armenia: Etchmiadzin. reviews on other excursions of the guide

Sightseeing tour of Yerevan & Etchmiadzin & Zvartnots

Perhaps, this excursion takes the first place in terms of attendance among the guests of Armenia. It includes the brightest sights of the modern capital of Armenia - the city of Yerevan, and the ancient capital of Armenia - the city of Vagharshapat (Echmiadzin). In Yerevan, we will see the only repository of its kind, which stores and studies more than 18,000 manuscripts. The earliest manuscripts date from the 5th century, the latest from the 19th century. The next stop is the city of Vagharshapat, which is located 19 km from Yerevan. Once it was the capital of Armenia, here was the palace of the king and the largest pagan temple. Today Vagharshapat is known as the center of the Armenian Church, it was here that the first temple was built after the adoption of Christianity. The treasury of the Cathedral of Etchmiadzin contains relics revered not only Armenian church but also holy to all Christians. This a spear, according to them, the Roman legionnaire Longinus wounded the crucified Christ, a piece noah's ark from Mount Ararat, as well as fragments the cross on which Christ was crucified. In Vagharshapat are Cathedral , the temples of St. Hripsime, the temple of St. Gayane. After visiting the ancient Armenian capital of Vagharshapat (Echmiadzin), we will see the ruins of one of the largest ancient Christian churches — temple of Zvartnots. Zvartnots was built in the 7th century under the command of the Armenian Catholicos Nerses the Builder. The temple reached a height of 49 meters, was luxuriously decorated inside and out. However, the temple stood for only 320 years and collapsed during an earthquake in the 10th century. In 1996, the Zvartnots museum complex and the temples of Etchmiadzin were included in the UNESCO World Heritage List.

Yerevan is a modern city with Eastern thinking. This city is old and young at the same time. According to legend, it was founded in the 8th century BC, the results of archaeological excavations testify to this, but Yerevan acquired its modern style in the 30-50s of the 20th century. A tour of Yerevan includes the brightest and most interesting sights of the city. You will see the central historical part of the city, the repository of ancient manuscripts Matenadaran, the building of the opera house, the Cafesjian art center located in the original architectural complex Cascade, the Republic Square, the Victory Bridge over the Hrazdan River, the Noy and Ararat cognac factories. If you wish, you can visit a tasting at one of the cognac factories, as well as what Eastern cities are traditionally valued for - the market. In Yerevan, the central market is called Gumi Shuka or Shilachi. Here they sell dried fruits, cheese, basturma, fresh fruits and vegetables, pickles and spices. But, I must say that more actively than they sell, they are generously treated to all this abundance.

Yerevan, where we will see the complex of modern art Cascade, Opera House, Northern Avenue, Republic Square.

Optionally, you can visit a tasting and a tour in one of the cognac factories (Noy or Ararat).

10:00 Departure from Yerevan. Departure to Armavir region.

10:30 Visit to the church of St. Hripsime.

Church of St. Hripsime is one of the finest specimens Armenian architecture 7th century. Temple of Surb Hripsime built in 618. Inside the church has the shape of a rectangle in which a cross is inscribed, formed by four semicircular apses. Chapels are located in the four corners. From one of them you can enter the crypt located under the altar, where, according to legend, Hripsime was buried. The decoration of the building is very modest. In 1790, a two-tiered bell tower with an eight-columned belfry was added to it. In the narthex of the church are stored, inlaid with mother-of-pearl, the altar gates of 1741.

11:30 Visiting one of the 12 capitals of Armenia - Echmiadzin (Vagharshapat), visiting the Mother See Cathedral of St. Echmiadzin.

Echmiadzin - the former name of which Vagharshapat, - was founded in the first half of the 2nd century on the site of the ancient settlement of Vardgesavan. A rare feature of the cathedral is that in addition to the main altar in its eastern part, there are three more altars. Two of them are respectively located in the southern and northern parts, and the third is not so much an altar as a holy place. According to legend, this is the place Christ came down in your appearance.

12:30 Visit to the museum "Treasury of Etchmiadzin".

Museum "Treasury of Etchmiadzin" is located in the southeastern part of the Cathedral. It was opened in 1955. The museum presents unique holy relics. One of the most famous treasures is Saint Geghard (spear), who pierced the side of Christ, Relics of Noah's Ark and many other valuable works of art.

13:30 Visiting the ruins of the temple of Zvartnots (Vigilant forces - VII century), destroyed by an earthquake in 939.

The ruins of Zvartnots that have survived to this day testify to the grandeur of the building. It towered on a platform around which there was a stepped pedestal, partially preserved. In plan, the temple resembles a cross inscribed in a circle.

14:30 Return to Yerevan.

Mileage: 60 km

Duration: 5 o'clock

The cost of the excursion to the Church of Surb Hripsime, Holy Etchmiadzin and Zvartnots Temple includes:

• escort car and all transfers according to the route;
• entrance tickets to museums and historical and cultural centers;
• excursion service;
• professional English speaking guide;
• cold drinks.

The price of the excursion to the Church of Surb Hripsime, Holy Etchmiadzin and the Zvartnots Temple does NOT include:

• meals: lunch or dinner during the tour. We can organize meals upon prior request or we can recommend a good restaurant in Yerevan;
• alcoholic drinks;
• insurance.

Notes:

• Prices for an excursion to the Church of Surb Hripsime, Holy Etchmiadzin and the Temple of Zvartnots are indicated in rubles per person, with the corresponding number of people in the group;
• For children under six years old without a seat free of charge (in the arms of parents);
• Children from 7 to 12 years old - 40% discount;
• Lunch 700 rub. per person; The start time of the tour is approximate and depends on the time of year. The exact start time of the tour is agreed on the spot with the guide;
• The tour starts from any convenient address in Yerevan;
• The excursion program can be edited at the request of the guests.

Thank you for the warm welcome on the land of Armenia, for the interesting stories about the history of the region and its present day. Valentina, you conquered me with your fullness and tact, love for your work.

I highly recommend the tour itself and the wonderful guide Valentina! I didn’t even suspect that there are such ancient places on the land of Armenia as Metsamor! older Egyptian pyramids! Cyclopean stone walls surround the remains of buildings where bronze was once made in prehistoric times. The museum is also very interesting despite its small size. And Etchmiadzin is simply a must-see for everyone who is interested in the history of Christianity, ancient architecture and the history of Armenia. And all this is accompanied by a smart, sensitive, knowledgeable and intelligent guide who loves his profession. Valentina infects with her enthusiasm and turns the excursion into a fascinating journey into antiquity!

We were on a tour with a guide Valentina.
If you have been to Armenia, but have not been to Metsamor and Etchmiadzin, then you have not seen the historical and spiritual center Armenia.
We were shocked by the ancient treasures presented in Metsamor. We have never seen anything like it anywhere in the world. Take aback from the fact that before you are rarities from 6000 to 2000 years old. Many exhibits can be touched. Have you ever seen the seal of the pharaoh? Do you know that the idea of ​​photocopying comes from the pharaoh's seal? Do you know how the ancient Armenians solved the problem of increasing the melting point when making bronze? No? Then you definitely need to go to this excursion!
Do you know that Etchmiadzin is the spiritual, religious center of Armenia? You know that here is the Residence of the Catholicos of Armenia. Here you will learn from the guide Valentina the history of the state and Christianity and architecture in Armenia. We are delighted and fell in love with Armenia. Bravo Valentine. Thanks a lot!

46 reviews for other guided tours

We booked this tour in mid-June, the views along the way are gorgeous. In the foothills, poppies and daisies still bloomed. In organizing the tour, everything is thought out to the smallest detail, we tourists can only listen, ask questions and enjoy :-) Valentina is an interesting storyteller and a pleasant person. I recommend everyone to leave early (we left at 7), then you will return to the city at 9 o'clock in the evening. After this excursion, the next day, do not take excursions out of the city, just take a walk around the neighborhood so that the impressions are fully formed. Thank you Valentina for an unforgettable trip!

Since the tour is individual, it turned out to be a walk around beautiful Yerevan with good friend. Quietly slowly walked around the city, where it was necessary to move by taxi. On such excursions, I like that you can ask the locals exactly what interests you. We saw both historical and iconic places, as well as parks, places of recreation for locals. We went into the Yerevan courtyard, which is not so easy to find, you have to go through a souvenir shop, inside everything is covered with grapes. We saw Yerevan from different sides, we will definitely return again. Armenia is beautiful!

A rare excursion full of places to visit, information and impressions, after which there is still energy for evening activities (our excursion started at 11 am), because the guide is very attentive to the needs of the group and adjusts the route and pace for us. Valentina has extensive knowledge and showed on the tour those "pearls" of Yerevan that you simply cannot find on your own. The production of handmade chocolate is very interesting for both children and adults.

If you come to our sunny capital, then we recommend you a sightseeing tour of Yerevan and its environs in order to better learn the history of the thirteenth capital of Armenia. This tour is the most visited by tourists, as it provides an opportunity to see both the historical and modern side of the capital.

From your hotel we will go to explore the sights of Yerevan. Our city is very ancient. The first fortress here was built by the king of ancient Urartu Argishti I and gave the name "Erebuni", as evidenced by the surviving cuneiform of the king. The current Yerevan got its appearance at the beginning of the 20th century, when the reconstruction of the city began under the guidance of the talented architect Alexander Tamanyan. He managed to create a unique plan of the city, it was he who began to use local tuff stone in buildings, which is why Yerevan is often called the pink capital.

All major attractions are concentrated in the city center. First, we will go to Matenadaran, a one-of-a-kind book depository, a scientific institute named after Mesrop Mashtots, where more than 17,000 manuscripts are stored. From the height of the Matenadaran you will see the panorama of the city, and in clear weather you will have a view of Ararat. Going down Mashtots Avenue we will visit the Opera and Ballet Theatre, which was built according to the plan of Tamanyan, where he combined the best traditions of Armenian architecture and decorative art. In the very center of the capital, not far from the Opera House, there is the original Cascade building, the decoration of Yerevan and a favorite place for Armenians and guests of the city. The complex has a Cafesjian Modern Art Center, where works of Armenian and foreign art are presented.

After the Cascade, along the Northern Avenue, we will head to the Republic Square. This is the central square of the capital with architectural ensemble, which is made in the national style. Singing fountains are installed in the center of the square, in front of the Museum of History. After that, we will head towards the gorge of the Hrazdan River, where on both sides of the Victory Bridge there are 2 brandy factories: "Noy" and "Ararat". Optionally, it will be possible to attend a tasting in one of these factories.

And of course, you can’t leave the city without trying the local delicacies. To do this, we suggest going to the central market - Gumi-shuka, where you will see all the flavor of the old markets and you can buy sweet fruits or dried fruits, nuts, various spices and, of course, the famous basturma.

From Yerevan we will go to Etchmiadzin, a beautiful and flourishing city, the main spiritual and religious center of Armenia, founded in the 2nd century. The city was elevated on the spot that Jesus Christ pointed out to the first Armenian Catholicos in a dream. Etchmiadzin is the residence of the Armenian Catholicos, the main attractions here are the churches. We will visit the Cathedral, the churches of St. Hripsime and St. Gayane, which are included in the UNESCO World Heritage List.

In the center of the city there is the Trdat Gate (founded in the 4th century), from where you can walk to the main Cathedral. After the adoption of Christianity by Gregory the Illuminator, a big church from wood. Over time, the church was rebuilt more than once. In the 18th century, the interior of the church was painted by the famous Armenian artist Hovnatanyan. The museum of the church contains holy relics, various ritual objects, church clothes and much more. Here you can see ancient objects of art, manuscripts, miniatures. Near the cathedral you can see many khachkars. On the territory of the monastery there are various buildings, a theological school, as well as a souvenir shop where you can buy all kinds of souvenirs.

A few meters from the Cathedral, there is the Church of St. Gayane. According to legend, this and two other churches were built in honor of those Christian women who fled from the execution of the Roman emperor. In the southern part of the church is the tomb of the virgin St. Gayane, and her relics are kept there. The church does not have rich decorations. Everything is extremely concise and strict.

The majestic church of St. Hripsime is one of the best early Christian buildings in Armenian architecture. Many churches were built on her example. St. Hripsime was founded in 618, later a two-tiered bell tower was added to it. The legend says that Tsar Trdat III really wanted to marry Hripsima, but when he was refused, he ordered her to be tortured. And a church was built on this spot.

From Etchmiadzin in the direction of Yerevan, we will make a stop at the Zvartnots temple. Here you will see the UNESCO World Heritage Site. This is the Temple of Vigilant Forces, or Zvartnots, which was built in the 7th century by Nerses the Builder. This is a truly unique architectural structure, the ruins of which indicate the greatness of the temple. According to the reconstruction, the temple building consisted of three polyhedrons, which were placed on top of each other. The sources say that already in the 10th century Zvartnots was in ruins, most likely after an earthquake. It was an original architectural idea, which later spread widely.

Etchmiadzin Cathedral is one of the oldest Christian churches in the world and is known as the center of the Armenian Apostolic Church. According to legend, the first Patriarch Gregory the Illuminator dreamed that the only-begotten, that is, Christ, descended from heaven with a fiery hammer in his hands and indicated the place for the construction of the cathedral. On this place in 303, where there was an ancient pagan temple, a church was founded, called Etchmiadzin, which in Armenian means “the place of the descent of the Only-begotten”. This place is considered sacred, and all significant events for Armenians are held in Etchmiadzin.

Temple of Zvartnots(or Temple of the Vigilant Powers) was built in the 7th century AD. and it can rightfully be considered the pearl of world architecture of the Middle Ages. In 939 there was a strong earthquake and this architectural masterpiece was destroyed. The legend says that the Byzantine emperor Constantine III, who visited Armenia in 652, was so struck by the beauty of the temple that he ordered the builder of Zvartnots to go with him to Constantinople. On the way, the architect died, and only this circumstance prevented the erection of a similar structure in the capital of Byzantium. To date, the first tier has been almost completely reconstructed and appears before its guests in its magical image. In 2000, the Etchmiadzin Cathedral, its churches, as well as the ruins of the Zvartnots temple and the entire archaeological area around it, were included in the UNESCO World Heritage List.

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